In a blockbuster announcement, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami FC is gearing up to face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr as part of its 2024 preseason international tour, revealed the Major League Soccer (MLS) club on Monday.
As per the official statement released by the MLS club, Inter Miami is set to embark on its first-ever international tour, with Saudi Arabia being a prominent stop. The team will participate in the Riyadh Season Cup, engaging in a round-robin tournament format against Saudi football giants Al-Hilal SFC and Al Nassr FC.
The exciting series of matches will kick off with Inter Miami taking on Al-Hilal on January 29, followed by the highly anticipated clash against Al Nassr in February. Both encounters are scheduled to take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
The Riyadh Season Cup, featuring a three-team round-robin format, is a significant component of Inter Miami’s inaugural international tour. Alongside Saudi Arabia, the club is also slated to make stops in El Salvador and Hong Kong.
Xavier Asensi, Chief Business Officer of Inter Miami, expressed enthusiasm about the venture, stating, “This is another major opportunity to create lasting relationships with passionate fans. We eagerly anticipate building connections with newfound supporters in Saudi Arabia, and we also hope that enthusiasts from around the globe will tune in to witness these highly anticipated dream matches.”
The impending face-off between Messi and Ronaldo adds an extra layer of intrigue to the tournament. The Argentine and Portuguese superstars, who have faced each other 35 times in their illustrious careers, will renew their rivalry on the football field. Messi boasts 16 wins to Ronaldo’s 10, with nine draws between them. The two football icons have collectively tallied an impressive number of goals and assists, promising an electrifying showdown in the Riyadh Season Cup.
Football enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly anticipating this clash of titans, as the stars align for what promises to be an unforgettable spectacle in the heart of Saudi Arabia.
